Search results for "Power system measurements"
showing 10 items of 30 documents
Design and Characterization of a New MV PLC Coupler for Smart Electric Energy Systems
2018
This paper deals with the design, modeling and characterization of a new coupling system for medium voltage (MV) narrow band power line communications (NB-PLC). It exploits the capacitive divider of voltage detecting systems (VDSs) normally used to reveal the mains voltage presence, thus avoiding the use of dedicated MV couplers. The proposed coupling system was patented by the authors. In this paper, the modeling of the VDS capacitive divider is presented, using a proper characterization method. Moreover, the interface card design is described, based on simulation of the whole PLC transmission channel. Laboratory tests are also presented and discussed. More in detail, a frequency response …
Measurement issues on harmonic analysis according to the IEC 61000-4-7
2022
The objective of this article is an analysis of measurement issues related to the implementation of digital signal processing techniques for harmonic analysis, by means of FFT algorithm with different interpolation algorithms (linear, quadratic and cubic) and different sampling rates. A comparative analysis is made on errors on harmonics measurement obtained in the various case study analyses. Such errors are compared with the IEC 61000-4-7 limits. The study is supported by both simulation and experimental tests; these last are performed with different acquisition boards for signals acquisition.
A prototypal architecture of a IEEE 21451 network for smart grid applications based on power line communications
2015
This paper deals with the development of reliable measurement and communication devices and systems and their integration on a prototypal network architecture for smart grid applications, based on the use of narrowband power line communications (PLCs). The proposed solution is presented and discussed in the framework of the ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451 family of Standards. Currently, PLCs are not properly addressed by the aforesaid Standards; on the other hand, by including such issue, their guidelines could represent a common platform for the integration and interoperability of the proposed systems and devices. This would allow to exploit the benefits of the IEEE 21451 approach also for PLC-based sm…
A self-synchronizing instrument for harmonic sources detection in power systems
2004
The deregulation of energy markets holds out new prospects for contract between customers and utilities, in which the price of energy can depend on voltage quality and load characteristics, as well as on the responsibility for disturbances caused to supply voltage in power systems. In this context, harmonic sources detection is one of the main problems, because of equipment sensibility and the proliferation of loads which absorb non-sinusoidal currents. In this paper the authors present a new instrument based on a time domain method for the detection of harmonic active powers in three-phase systems, which can be usefully applied even in the presence of unbalance or asymmetry. The amplitude …
PQ Metrics Implementation on Low Cost Smart Metering Platforms. A Case Study Analysis
2018
The increasing interest on the quality of the energy supplied and generated in distribution networks is raising the need of distributed power quality (PQ) measurements. To allow such capabilities with cost effective metering solutions, this paper wants to investigate the feasibility of using smart meters, already installed for energy billing, also for power quality monitoring. To this aim, an electronic board (based on STCOMET metrology device), already used in many energy meters of different countries, has been selected as case study platform. The manufacturer firmware of this board was essentially aimed at implementing energy meter metrics and power line communications functionalities. In…
Implementation of a PLC Field Analyzer on a G3 Modem Platform
2021
Nowadays, power line communications (PLC) are a widely used technology in distribution grids, both for automatic meter reading and automation applications. PLC performances (in terms of capacity, coverage, robustness, and data transmission rate) can be significantly affected by electrical network topologies, connected loads and disturbances. Thus, utilities and modem manufacturers are increasing their interest in electrical network characterization. In this framework, a software tool is proposed in this paper to measure received signal and noise levels. As case study, it is implemented on a G3 PLC transceiver, widely used for smart metering purposes. In this way, a PLC channel characterizat…
An Innovative Coupling Solution for Power Line Communication in MV Electrical Networks
2019
One of the main problems in the diffusion of power line communication (PLC) in medium voltage (MV) networks is the need of a dedicated PLC coupler to be installed all over the network. To avoid this problem, the authors have studied, prototyped and patented an innovative PLC coupling solution which uses electrical elements embedded in most of the switchgears already installed in MV networks, i.e. the capacitive dividers of the voltage detecting systems (VDS). The new solution prototype is described in this paper, highlighting the advantages in terms of a significant reduction of both direct costs of equipment and infrastructures and indirect costs of installation and service interruption. T…
Innovative Solutions for the Integration of Renewable Energies on Tunisian and Sicilian Electrical Grids
2022
The rapid spread of distributed generation from renewable energy sources, combined with their unpredictable behavior, requires the continuous monitoring and control by the Distribution System Operator, in order to guarantee the stability and efficiency of the distribution network. Thus, in this paper a new measurement and communication architecture is proposed, which foresees the use of innovative devices and different technology-oriented solutions, even redundant ones, which allows the transition from passive to active electricity distribution network, with minimal structural changes. The architecture has been developed in the framework of the SInERT project (Italy-Tunisia cross-border coo…
A Line Impedance Calculator Based on a G3 PLC Modem Platform
2022
Power line communication (PLC) is one of the most today used technologies for both automatic meter reading and many other smart grid applications. In this framework, a characterization of the electrical network in the PLC frequency range is needed in terms of impedance measurement and received signal level. This can allow choosing the most suitable and less noisy frequency ranges for PLC transmission. Usually, these characterization measurements are performed with dedicated instrumentation and in the absence of mains voltage. This article wants to propose an alternative solution, which allows these kinds of measurements to be performed using electronic boards currently used as on-field appl…
Time domain symmetry parameters analysis for series arc fault detection
2022
This paper presents a feasibility study of exploiting the symmetry of some parameters for series arc fault detection in electrical circuits. The considered parameters are defined in the time domain and they are based on the current signal derivative and the evaluation of cross-correlation between subsequent observation windows. The analysis is carried out for AC systems, starting from an experimental characterization, which has been carried out in accordance with the Standard UL 1699 requirements for "unwanted tripping tests"and "operation inhibition tests"of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). The results obtained in different load conditions show that the proposed parameters can be us…